Whoa, there are so many.
I suppose X-Japan is the most well known metalband from Japan, eventhough they're disbanded.
You could also check The Sex Machine Guns, who recently announced to disband.
Furthermore, you could also check out this website of Heavy Metal Forces. It contains a lot of information about Japanese metalbands.
Thanks for the tips they will be very helpful. What I am really looking for is Japan's equivalant of seplatura. And also, any industrial metal bands in the vein of NIN, Fear Factory, or Manson that kind of stuff.
Anyway, Dir en Grey essentially are an alternative metal band...at least...today. ^^
A lot of thrash influence, a bit industrial metal, slightly pop...very low tuned guitars...but quite unique in their approach.
@Rocketdive:
We forgot Blizard, I think.
Anything else? ;
EZO, Flatbacker...um...
i like dir en grey.
erm i don't really know much about metal. hehe i'm more familiar with visual kei and digicore - only digicore band being the mad capsule markets! lol
Did anybody hear Guitar Vader. I've dug up some MP3's from them and it's really good. Apparently they were on the soundtrack of the Dreamcast game Jet Set Radio.
If you're into Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins, you'll like this.
As for other alternative sounding bands. Try Fake?, Oblivion Dust, Zilch and other solo-work from hide.
@dark for tears
The Mad Capsule Markets rock. I've seen them in Amsterdam last month.
hehe twisted - i saw them on the 29th march on the last date of their UK tour! heh it was the best gig i've been to, and the fact that i had to go on my own after my friends all dropped out from coming, didn't deter me at all! ^__^ and kyono and toru waved at me
@dark for tears
I got some stickers and a cd-single at that concert, which they threw into the crowd right after the concert was over. I was standing all the way in the front and i had bruises all over the place.
Jet Set Radio/Jet Grind Radio had an interesting soundtrack (and tons of style - first "cell-shaded" game ever). You run through the game spraying graffitti all over the city while dealing with cops and rival gangs. If you ever get the chance, look for a video of it in action... Very unique game.
Guitar Vader is something I'd consider even lighter than the Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan used to scream during some very loud songs.. Especially on Melancholy and hte Infinite Sadness.
Originally posted by Twisted @dark for tears
I got some stickers and a cd-single at that concert, which they threw into the crowd right after the concert was over. I was standing all the way in the front and i had bruises all over the place.
i got stickers that they threw into the crowd. no CD's which is a shame! i was so tired after the gig, i was right at the front - no bruises though amazingly. and i think i was the only girl who got near to the front! heh
Yeah, tired indeed. But then again, I'm terribly out of shape, so it's my own fault.
@Guitar Vader
I've only found out about them this week. I'm wondering how something so good could elude me for such a long time. Their latest album is from 2001 though.
They're also on the upcoming Japan for Sale Volume 3 compilation.
and listen to samples!!!
http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/heavy/onmyouza/index.html
http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/heavy/onmyouza/disco.html
(click the PLAY images)
I'll go to Onmyouza live concert next Sunday!
YaaaaY!!XD
I'm desperately seeking albums of ONMYOUZA. Does anybody know where I can order them via the Net, 'cause here in Belgium they're unfortunately not available in the mu-sick-stores.